Library Access & Collection Services Team Manager – University of MN Duluth

The Access & Collection Services Team Manager is a full time Professional and Administrative position at the Kathryn A. Martin Library. The committee will begin reviewing applications for this position June 6, 2022. The position posting will be open until filled with an anticipated start date of September 1, 2022. Starting salary is $68,000 or commensurate with experience.

The Access & Collection Services Team Manager oversees a combined circulation and technical services team. This leader is responsible for creating an inclusive and positive team environment that encourages cohesion and collegiality. They will work to find ways to improve procedures and workflows for high quality services, balance employee workloads, and remove barriers to employee success.

The Access & Collection Services Team is dedicated to providing accessible and welcoming service to all library users, ensuring a safe and friendly environment, and managing collections. This team provides all circulation and interlibrary loan services, acquisitions, cataloging, serials and e-resources management. The team handles all stacks management, and works closely with the Research & Learning team on collections projects including weeding and making renewal decisions about licensed/subscription content.

The Access & Collection Services Team Manager is responsible for health and safety in the library building. This includes overseeing or providing situational training for employees who staff the circulation desk, coordinating custodial services with the campus Facilities Management team, maintaining the Building Emergency Plan, and developing and directing collection emergency plans.

The Access & Collection Services Team Manager is a member of the Library Leadership Team, where team managers and the director work collaboratively to create an inclusive, effective and engaging workplace that meets the needs of library users and library employees.

Essential Job Functions

Access & Collection Services Manager (60%)

• Hire, train, coach, and mentor staff to carry out duties at the expected high level of performance. Regularly assess staffing performance effectiveness with clearly articulated performance expectations and regular, timely feedback in alignment with organizational performance standards
• Supervise members of the team:
  • Assist team members in setting individual goals and prioritizing assigned tasks
  • Coach team members in their effectiveness, professional development, and evaluate their work
  • Oversee employee scheduling to ensure continuity of operations through staffing at the circulation desk
  • Review, remediate, and/or approve timesheet and leave entries to ensure accurate reporting of staff time
  • Maintain a healthy and safe working environment
  • Modify practices and procedures to improve efficiency and quality; search for better ways to effectively achieve end results by, for example; scheduling work steps, arranging/re-arranging the way work is generally performed, and adding or deleting elements of processes
• Establish, prioritize, review, and refine team objectives and actions based on the library strategic plan
• Chair search committees or mentor the chairs of search committees for open positions; coordinate the training of new hires
• Foster a work environment that encourages initiative, creativity, cooperation, and inclusion.
• Evaluate existing services on an ongoing basis; curtail or adapt services as needed, or develop and implement new services when appropriate
• Facilitate communication between staff and student employees across service areas in the Access & Collection Services Team, and between other library teams
• Serve as a member of the Collections Committee
• Develop and facilitate collaborative relationships between Access & Collection Services and the service partners at the first floor desk (ITSS Help Desk, Academic Technology, and Media Hub), as well as the partners in the building such as Academic Writing and Learning Center, Math Lab, and Pharmacy
• Consistently provide accurate, timely, informed, and relevant communications to the Access & Collection Services Team and solicit input from team members.
• Build and maintain relationships with student leaders and stakeholders across Academic Affairs and Student Life that foster collaboration with the library
• Serve as the local administrator for vendor-provided services for the physical collection
• Work cooperatively with library staff throughout the University of Minnesota system, representing the Kathryn A. Martin Library on enterprise governance committees and working groups, e.g., Library Enterprise Systems Governance Committee, Fulfillment Ops, etc.
• Provide support for and participate in the on-site supervision of student employees at the circulation desk
• Troubleshoot procedural and workflow issues at the circulation desk and in technical services

Responsibilities as a member of the Library Leadership Team (15%)

• Allocate resources and apply expertise in Access & Collection Services Team to ensure that progress is made towards completing the current year’s strategic actions
• Participate in library-wide planning and management
• Participate in library-wide decision making and formulation of library-wide policies and procedures
• Prepare relevant statistical information and reports as needed

Responsibilities for facilities health & safety coordinator (15%)

• Provide building oversight to ensure safety and security of the facility and its occupants
• Coordinate the Building Emergency Response Guide with Facilities Management and Environmental Health and Safety, including trainings, orientations, and drills
• Develop, review, maintain, and if necessary, implement the library’s Collections Disaster Response Plan
• Collaborate with Facilities Management custodial staff to ensure clean and safe spaces for library users and employees

Library-Related Professional Service and Engagement (10%)

• Participate in library, UMD, and community meetings and events
• Serve on campus or university committees
• Engage in professional development
• Contribute to the profession through organizational work, presenting papers, and/or publishing

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 8 or more years of related experience to include supervisory experience OR Master’s degree in related field and 6 or more years of experience to include supervisory experience

Demonstrated experience building collaborative relationships with colleagues, library users, and/or community partners that foster a culture of consideration, consultation, and/or inclusion.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Demonstrated ability to provide leadership that increases equity and inclusion in order to advance racial and social justice in workplace or personal settings.

Demonstrated ability to evaluate work, guide professional growth, and develop leadership skills of staff under your direction.

Preferred Qualifications 

Experience with Ex Libris products, preferably Alma, Primo, Leganto, and/or RapidILL

Experience with interlibrary loan procedures and policies

The Access & Collection Services Team Manager leads the circulation and technical services at University of Minnesota Duluth’s Kathryn A. Martin Library.

The Access & Collection Services Team is responsible for managing a collection that includes 345,241 physical items and 1,495,010 electronic resources, as well as interlibrary loan services that fulfilled more than 7,000 transactions last year. Additionally, the Access & Collection Services Team Manager is responsible for health and safety in the library – which includes two linked facilities that see more than 500,000 visits annually.

The successful applicant will be part of a team that is focused on removing barriers that impede our community’s growth and development. Our library is committed to diversity and inclusion, striving to open our doors as widely as possible to be a welcoming environment in which to work, learn, study, and collaborate. UMD library employees are encouraged to pursue educational opportunities, professional development, participation in functional and advisory committees, and other opportunities to expand their careers. The successful applicant will also be an integral source of support to the success of UMD students.

The Kathryn A. Martin Library is prized for its design and architecture and features views of Lake Superior. It has been updated to serve today’s researchers, including the renovation of our library teaching spaces. UMD is a medium-sized regional university that offers students a supportive atmosphere and access to the resources of the larger University of Minnesota system. UMD students can choose from more than 93 undergraduate and post-baccalaureate degrees, and from graduate programs in more than 20 different fields.

The UMD campus is located in the picturesque city of Duluth, Minnesota. Duluth sits on the north shore of Lake Superior, with a population of approximately 85,000 people. Duluth is a major shipping port and regional health care and education center. The city offers a vibrant music, theater, and art scene; community events; plenty of green space; and readily accessible outdoor activities.

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you’ll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning.  We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Scholarship
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online.  To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions.  You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Please submit:

(1.) A cover letter describing how your experience matches each of the required position qualifications and any preferred qualifications
(2.) A resume that includes details of prior education and employment that are relevant to this position, and
(3.) Five references who can speak to your work or personal experiences in relation to this position, two of which must be from managers

Additional documents may be attached after applying by accessing your “My Job Applications” page and uploading documents in the “My Cover Letters and Attachments” section.

We will begin reviewing applications June 6, 2022. This position will remain open until filled.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [email protected] or call (612) 624-UOHR (8647).

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission.  The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.  To learn more about diversity at the U:  http://diversity.umn.edu.

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

Please note: All employees at the University of Minnesota are required to comply with the University’s Administrative Policy: COVID-19 Vaccination and Safety Protocol by either providing proof of being fully vaccinated on their first day of employment, or complete a request for an exemption for medical exemption or religious reasons. To learn more please visit:  https://safe-campus.umn.edu/return-campus/get-the-vax

University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD)

The University of Minnesota, Duluth (UMD) consistently ranks among the top Midwestern, regional universities in U.S. News and World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges” issue.

Overlooking Lake Superior, UMD provides an alternative to both large research and small liberal arts environments and attracts students looking for a personalized learning experience on a medium-sized campus of a major university.  A firm liberal arts foundation anchors a variety of traditional degree programs, as well as professional and graduate students that draw on UMD’s many research institutes and labs.